#LasallianLife
Happy Easter!
April 7, 2023
Today, Good Friday, we mourn the suffering and torture of Jesus on the cross. We prayerfully remember His excruciating physical pain that radiated from his punctured sides, pierced hands and feet, and crown of thorns. We prayerfully remember His agonizing emotional pain that resulted from His persecution, trial, and public humiliation. Yet, despite the agony of Good Friday, we live in the steadfast hope and joy that will come on Easter Sunday.
In 2019, Lasallians gathered for a private audience with Pope Francis. During the audience, Pope Francis encouraged Brothers and Lasallians to create a “culture of resurrection.” Pope Francis went on to describe a “culture of resurrection” as “restoring life where there is suffering.” De La Salle believed in the power of education in “restoring life.” This remains a guiding principle in Lasallian education today. We flame the light that is within each child and encourage them to bring their light to wherever there is darkness.
One of my favorite contemporary books to share with our students is “The Coffee Bean” by Jon Gordon:
“Life is often difficult. It can be harsh, stressful, and feel like a pot of boiling hot water. The environments we find ourselves in can change, weaken, or harden us, and test who we truly are. We can be like the carrot that weakens in the pot or like the egg that hardens. Or, we can be like the coffee bean and discover the power inside us to transform our environment.”
Within this anecdote can be found one of the greatest Gospel messages: Despite the pain of betrayal and crucifixion, Jesus appeared to the disciples and spoke His first words, “Peace be with you.” These powerful words were intentionally chosen to emphasize to His followers that – love wins. The love that is found within our hearts transforms every situation and every environment.
A.W. Tozar said, “In reality, salvation was bought not by Jesus’ fist, but by His nail-pierced hands; not by muscle but by love; not by vengeance but by forgiveness; not by force but by sacrifice. Jesus Christ our Lord surrendered in order that He might win; He destroyed His enemies by dying for them and conquered death by allowing death to conquer Him.”
It can be easy for young people to be changed by the world. We can all experience our own “Good Friday.” Like the carrot, these challenges can cause us to feel hopeless or lifeless – losing our faith, passion, and zeal. Or, like the egg, these challenges can harden our hearts and cause us to become distant, or angry. Instead, Lasallian education encourages students to be like the coffee bean and not let the challenges of the world weaken their faith or harden their spirit. Lasallian education reminds the young people entrusted to our care that they are called to use their unique gifts and talents to positively impact others. Lasallian education develops a “culture of resurrection” that inspires young people to continually bring the faith, hope, love and joy of Easter Sunday to the world.
Let us pray…
May any member of our community who is suffering their own “Good Friday” be brought comfort through the experience of Easter.
May each of us be coffee beans who create a “culture of resurrection” that bring faith, hope, love, and joy into the world.
Saint John Baptist de La Salle. Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever.
Wishing each of you and your families a wonderful Easter!
Mr. Matthew Keough
President, Christian Brothers Academy
